What breakthroughs are on the Horizon for CBD?

There were some amazing medical breakthroughs last year in the medical marijuana field that will benefit patients world-wide. The most important studies were done by the National Institute of Health, and other trusted, scientific platforms. Just in the United States of America, there are 30 states that have legalized cannabis as medicine, or adult use, (recreational). This major swing towards cannabis reform has fueled clinic studies and independent lab testing. All this positive energy and clinical research has uncovered many uses for cannabinoids, both THC and CBD.

What Is the Difference in THC and CBD?

Most people think marijuana is marijuana, right? That couldn’t be more wrong because THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol contains the psychoactive component of cannabis. Since THC is listed as a controlled substance, you can only buy it in states that sell recreational pot, or you are an approved medical cannabis patient in states that only allow medical marijuana use.

Cannabidiol, or CBD on the other hand doesn’t contain any THC and therefore is non-psychoactive. CBD gives people health benefits, without intoxication.

How Does CBD Work?

Cannabinoids work on a cellular level by regulating body functions via the endocannabinoid system, which human beings already have. Cannabinoids are produced naturally in the body to reduce pain when an injury occurs. CBD is an anti-inflammatory compound as well and can help the body regulate inflammatory response. It produces an over-all sense of well being in most people that take regular doses. Until recent scientific studies, CBD was more commonly used as a dietary supplement, not a medicine. Let’s look at how CBD oil will advance patient care in 2019!

CBD Oil for Epilepsy

The search for alternative treatments for Epilepsy was rewarded by GW Pharmaceuticals, who created the first cannabis-based, CBD oil for Epilepsy called Epidiolex.  Recently, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for use in severe Epilepsy cases. The DEA also re-classified Epidiolex to a schedule 4, and legal to prescribe by neurologists to approved Epilepsy patients. This was once an alternative treatment for Epilepsy but is becoming a main-street seizure medication used by thousands of Epilepsy patients today.

Long-Term Pain Management & Opioid Replacement

Another huge advancement in patient care involves the opioid crisis that currently grips much of the nation. According to the NIH, more than 110,000 people die each day from prescription pain medication and opioid overdoses. Now that it’s legal, places like Florida, that experienced an opioid explosion, and is known as the “pill mill state” can offer a viable solution. In fact, 1,600 physicians became board-certified to prescribe CBD oil in Florida, specifically for opioid addicts. The fact is over 200,000 patients have become approved for medical marijuana last year and, 2019 will bring more solutions to opioid abuse, through cannabis.

What the Experts Are Saying About CBD Oil & Opioid Addiction

According to the publicly posted results of a 5-year study by trusted Sanjay Gupta MD, cannabinoids (CBD) can help opioid addicts get clean. In fact, many of the participants in this study successfully detox using CBD oil, getting through the symptoms from withdrawal.

All the patients were also able to deal with the pain and anxiety associated with opioid addiction and withdrawals. After 5 years 84% of the participants were opioid free and managing their pain, anxiety, and depression using CBD oil.

According to Florida, state-certified medical marijuana doctors in Jacksonville, FL cannabinoids (CBD) are helping opioid addicts reduce, and even eliminate opioids, altogether. Their patients are monitored, and the CBD dosage is adjusted depending on the patient’s body mass and tolerances. The evidence looks good for medical marijuana and CBD oil to help addicts kick the habit and stay clean.

CBD Oil for Cancer

Across the country and the globe researchers, doctor, patients and the public at large want better cancer treatments. The harsh side-effects from chemotherapy are debilitating and, in some cases, worse than the disease itself. There are studies underway to see the effects cannabinoids (CBD) have on tumor growth, apoptosis, and chemo symptom relief.  Even though no solid evidence has become available yet, 2019 may be the year we advance cancer treatments, using CBD oil.

Conclusion

Anyone can go online and see scientific results posted, from cannabidiol studies being done world-wide. But the most compelling evidence comes from American researchers, exploring cannabis as medicine legally, in 2019. As with any medication it’s important to seek the advice of a board-certified medical physician before taking CBD oil. Most states in the USA have legal cannabis available to qualified medical patients, or recreational adult use, by people over the age of 21. Still, anyone suffering from illness should consult a doctor first.